Shadow Kissed: The Vampire’s Chosen One

Chapter 4: Acceptance And A Sneaky Slayer

-ERIC-

Last night didn’t turn out to be as productive as I would’ve liked. After Elena left with Gabriel, I made my way back to my office at Luxe where I spent the next two hours staring blankly at the computer, getting absolute s**t done. Can anyone in my position really blame me? After the revelation I experienced, finding out that my Chosen One is a Slayer, someone who I can’t turn into a vampire...someone who I will only have the pleasure of experiencing our bond together for however long she lives and the Watchers are considered lucky if they get to live long lives with how dangerous their jobs are because it’s part of their f*****g destiny bullshit!

After the two hours, I gave up on trying to complete any work, instead heading back to my penthouse where I consumed a hefty portion of my personal collection of top shelf liquor. Did I want to get wasted to temporarily numb the pain I’m going to have to prepare myself for, knowing that a f*****g Twinkie has a potentially longer shelf life than my Chosen One? f**k, yes! Did this happen? f**k, no! Vampires are naturally immune to the effects of alcohol...unlike the f*****g wolves who can consume a tad of wolfsbane and receive the full effects of alcohol. That is probably the only reason I envy the f*****g dogs!

Drugs however, can effect vampires in larger doses. Unfortunately, I don’t have any f*****g drugs! Oh sure, I could have easily called in one of the Blood Dolls that I know deals in that sort of thing but honestly...I don’t want to be around another woman. The only woman I want to be around...that my f*****g beast is driving me crazy about is Elena...and I still haven’t figured out how I’m going to approach her about it. Should I be direct? Should I give it more time so that she feels our bond strengthen? I’m guessing it will be the same process for when a supernatural finds a human Chosen One. Although Elena technically isn’t human, but f**k me, this hasn’t happened in the history of vampires...ever. So I’m winging every notion I have about f*****g Chosen Ones right now. In all my one thousand, one hundred and seventy-four years of roaming this Earth, if I knew I would have this issue, I would have just walked into the sunlight and let myself burn. It would have been easier to meet the final death this way when I was younger. Now being as old as I am, I’d probably be sun bathing for hours before I finally turned to ash. But it would have been easier this way because losing a Chosen One almost breaks their partner...leaving only a sad, empty shell of what they once were. Sure, some pull out of it just fine but the majority...it’s not pretty.

For the first time in my existence, I don’t know what to do. I’ll have to tell Gabriel soon because the posh English bastard is putting a lot of effort into trying to get into Elena’s panties and the mere thought of anyone touching my Chosen One makes my blood boil. Friend or not, he better keep his manicured hands off my girl.

Then there’s the issue of Elena’s job as a Slayer...one that she’s exceedingly good at just by reading her profile that the Watchers sent over. She puts herself in danger...a lot. My first instinct is to protect her...keep her out of harms way so I can have her for as long as I can. However, Elena doesn’t seem like the type to allow herself being put into a protective box. f**k! I’m going to have my work cut out for me.

Next issue...keeping the whole Chosen One business a low profile. I had many enemies before I became the Sheriff of California...I can only estimate the numbers have tripled over the last two hundred years I’ve been ruling over this territory, putting a big fat bullseye on my Chosen One for whoever wishes to hurt me...because that’s the only way they can. Gabriel is about the only one I can trust with this information other than my childer Jason and Theresa...the oldest and most loyal of the Ashford clan.

I down the last bit of whiskey from the bottle in my hand before letting the glass bottle drop to the marble floor with a loud clink. On the plus side...I’ve met my Chosen One, even if the situation is godawful. Many immortals never run across their Chosen One because of their unnaturally long lives. There isn’t exactly a homing beacon to lead you to them unless you just happen to bump into them like I did. Then, you have their scent and can feel the pull of the bond... like a rope tied to the both of you. Gods, I suppose I am lucky in the fact I’m a highly skilled vampire when it comes to tracking. I could probably find Elena anywhere in this godforsaken city. Helpful if she decides to run from me after I tell her. No. Elena doesn’t seem like the type of woman to run from her problems, even if her current problem is an eleven hundred year old vampire that wants to claim her and show the whole world she belongs to him...and slide in between those pretty little thighs of hers. The mere thought of it makes me hard. No. Elena won’t run. However, she may try to stake me or take my head off. An amusing thought after the countless numbers of Watchers I’ve slain before I realized their importance. Elena could kill me...I’m sure if it. Not many Watchers even came close...but my Chosen One...she’s a Grimm. Intelligent, skilled, deadly...sexy as hell with those big blue eyes of hers and kissable pink heart-shaped lips.

Gods. This is going to be torture being around her and not touching what is mine. The bond between us will grow the more we are around each other. Elena may just see it as a crush or an intense need to jump my bones. Fingers crossed that happens soon. I’ve already deleted all the call girls from my phone and blocked their numbers. There isn’t a need for them anymore. I’ll just have to resort to...what did Gabriel call it? Oh yes, tugging on it in the meantime. I roll my eyes at the thought but it’s normal to completely desire your Chosen One and no one else. They complete you after all.

I’m so lost in my thoughts, I nearly drop my phone out of my hand when it starts ringing. Well, never been jumpy from a phone call before. I guess there’s a first for everything. I sigh at the name. Willy. Wonder what the ghoul wants now? He’s not my ghoul, however, he is loyal to me and is useful when it comes to information.

I hit the answer button with my thumb before putting the phone on speakerphone. The outer walls of my penthouse are soundproof. Not even supes can hear through them...courtesy of Amelia White, the overseer of the local magic coven that helps out with L.A.’s Hellmouth.

“Willy...this is a surprise.” Hopefully the little ghoul didn’t go and piss off someone again. As I said, he’s useful, so I offer my protection in trade for his loyalty.

“Hey Sheriff.” Willy’s thick Brooklyn voice comes over the phone. “I just thought you should know... the Slayer was here asking about Draco.”

I sit up immediately on the couch. “Why would she be asking about Draco?” The Sabbat vampire is one of the many assholes on my kill list. Trouble is, he’s nearly impossible to find. He uses magic to hide himself, making it difficult to track him. Not to mention he has a small army of followers and mercenaries at his disposal, making it easy for the him cause trouble in my domain.

“She apparently found some evidence in the previous Slayer’s room with Draco’s name on it.”

I curse under my breath, scrubbing a hand down my face. Of course she found evidence! That’s just my luck. Now she’s looking for one of the most unpredictable and deadly Sabbat vampires in California. “What did you tell her?” Willy doesn’t know Draco’s location, otherwise he would have told me knowing I’m looking for the little s**t.

“I gave her an address to a known associate of his...” As Willy talks, I use my vampiric speed to travel across the penthouse in seconds to my walk-in closet and quickly get dressed. I technically can’t be angry with Willy for putting my Chosen One in danger by giving her the address. The ghoul knows he’s supposed to help the Watchers when they need it, also a part of the trade for my protection. “Melvin Whitwicky.”

“Send the address to my phone.” I order him as I grab the keys to the Lambo. “When did she leave?” Hopefully I can beat her to Whitwicky’s.

“Five minutes ago.” Willy replies. “But you have some time before she gets there.”

“What do you mean?” I ask in confusion.

Willy hesitates on the phone before saying, “She robbed some poker players of a basket of kittens after chewing them out. She has plans to take them to the nearest humane society.”

I groan. “Willy, you know the use of kittens and puppies for gambling is illegal by our laws. If it happens in your bar again, you will be fined.” And by fined, I mean his bar is going to get a remodel...and not one he’s going to like.

“Understood.” Willy replies.

I sigh heavily. “And Willy.”

“Yes, Sheriff?”

“Any information comes to you about the Slayer, I want it reported. If she comes to you again, I want to know.” It appears Elena likes to take things into her own hands. The moment she found the evidence in Samantha’s room she should have reported to me. That way we could have tackled this together.

“Understood.”

“Thanks Willy.” I say before hanging up on him. I need to get to Elena. The last thing I need is Draco to get wind that my Slayer is looking for him. If I’m there with her, it’ll look like we’re just doing our normal Sheriff-Slayer routine and the bullseye won’t be on her back.

~~~~~

-ERIC-

I lean against the Lambo with my arms crossed over my chest as I wait for Elena. The address Willy gave her was to Whitwicky’s Scrapyard in Santa Monica. I’ve been here on a few occasions for information about Draco and a few other Sabbat. Melvin is an arms dealer in addition to running the scrapyard. The vampire usually has his ghouls run the scrapyard throughout the day while he runs his main business at night, making sure to keep L.A.’s supes armed with guns, making their killings look nothing more than just another gang shooting. Clever. No doubt a fruitful business since everybody wants to kill someone.

I received confirmation from one of my men that Elena boarded the subway about twenty minutes ago. She should be here anytime. Why on earth she and Samantha would rather ride one of those filthy things instead of driving a car boggles my mind. I suppose it does beat having to deal with L.A.’s night traffic.

A gentle breeze floats through the air and her scent hits me, making my mouth water for a taste. What is that enchanting floral scent? I’m by no means a flower expert but I don’t believe I’ve smelled anything like it before. Definitely not roses or lilies...hmmm. I’ll have to find out or it’s going to drive me nuts. I look up to see her about twenty yards away with a look of determination on her pretty face. As she gets closer to me the look of determination shifts to confusion when she sees me.

Elena stops a few feet away, farther than I like, staring at me with furrowed brows. She then rolls her eyes. “Willy...you little weasel!”

I can’t help but chuckle at her outburst. He may be a weasel...but he’s my weasel. “Willy’s my ear to the ground. He reports anything that is out of the ordinary or suspicious.” I drop my arms to my sides and push off the Lambo to close the distance between us, needing to be close to her. “Imagine my surprise when I received a call tonight saying that the Slayer is looking for a Sabbat psychopath.”

Elena puts her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes at me. “I didn’t realize that you coddled your charges.”

“It’s not coddling. It’s ensuring that you survive long enough not to make me look bad.” I lie. Of course I’m concerned about her safety. “You’re new to L.A. You have no idea what kind of vampires run this city that would just love to take a bite out of you.” Me included...but obviously for different reasons.

Elena doesn’t look impressed. In fact, she looks amused when she crosses her arms over her chest. “You think I care what macho blood thirsty vampires are running this city? I don’t. I have a job to do and...” she takes a step closer to me with the intention of showing she’s not even afraid of me. “I’m not afraid of any bloodsuckers in this godforsaken city.”

Elena’s face is merely inches away from mine. So close I can feel the warmth of her sweet breath as it fans my face. What I wouldn’t give to kiss her pink heart-shaped lips right now. “It’s difficult to do your job if you’re six feet under the ground.” I reply dryly.

Elena opens her mouth to respond when suddenly she scrunches her face up and waves her hand in front of her face. “Geez! What did you do? Swim in a pool filled with vodka before you came here?”

Damn. I forgot about the alcohol smell after I emptied half my personal stash. No alcoholic buzz despite my attempt but definitely smell like l was at a VIP New Years Party in Hollywood. Way to make a good impression in front of your Chosen One, Eric. “At least I don’t smell like body odor and bum piss.” She really doesn’t but I have to say something to insult her back. Although, I’m finding insulting her is a bit of a problem when she’s absolutely perfect.

This makes Elena smirk. “I take it you’re not a fan of the subways either?”

“Afraid not.” I say with a smile. “Gabriel already gave you an earful about it didn’t he?”

Elena shakes her head. “Oh yeah. He has major distaste for the public transportation. He claims to have high standards.”

“I suppose I do too then.” My smile widens when my Chosen One cracks a smile. Damn, she’s beautiful. “Now, what about this evidence you found in Samantha’s room?” Evidence that I would have found if Amelia would have let me look. I silently curse the witch. “And more importantly, why didn’t you contact me after you found it?”

Elena pauses reaching in the pocket of her black leather jacket. “Forgive me. I didn’t realize I needed you stuck up my ass to do my job.” The blonde replies sarcastically.

Hmmm. She has some sass...I like it! “I’m not trying to keep you from doing your job, Elena. We’re partners...” In more ways than one. “We work together. Besides, I’m trying to keep you from meeting the same gruesome end as Samantha. Her murderer is still out there.”

Elena purses her lips together, studying me for a moment. “What’s it matter to you if I die? Most vampires could care less if a Watcher meets their end. Another one will take my place.”

I want so badly to tell her not to speak like that but I fear I would be stepping too far over the boundaries of our current relationship. “You are so wrong, Elena. You might be a Watcher but I do care about you. Gabriel too. We realize the importance of what the Watchers bring to the balance. I hope that one day we will become friends...like Samantha was to Gabriel and I.” Obviously lying about the friends part because nothing can compare to her being my Chosen One. Gods woman...you have no idea how much I care about you.

Elena looks thoughtful for a moment. “You really did care for Samantha...didn’t you?”

“Yes.” I reply softly. “And I’ve been doing all in my power to find her murderer.”

Elena drops her gaze from mine, before pulling a book of matches out of her pocket. “I’m sorry.” She apologizes. “I just assumed you thought Watchers are a dime a dozen.”

I smirk. “We both know that isn’t true. Vampires outnumber Watchers about three hundred to one.” Facts. The odds are not in the favor of Watchers. Then you have to add in all the other supernaturals as well. Watchers are too few for what the universe decided was their screwed up destiny.

Elena sighs. “You got that right. I’ve mentioned to several Princes that they should implement a vampire population control law.”

I raise an amused eyebrow. “And did they take your advice?” I already know the answer to that. Vampires rule the supernatural world, limiting the population would then take a risk of other supernaturals like the wolves or magical folk trying to take control...and we can’t allow that.

Elena rolls her beautiful blue eyes. “What do you think? They laughed in my face and told me to keep my opinion to myself.”

“And what did you do?” I ask curiously. Elena doesn’t seem like the type of woman to let herself be talked down to like that.

The blonde smiles. “Well, I did some vampire population control myself. I did some digging, found some evidence on some associates of said Princes that goes against vampire law and...poof.”

“Poof?” I can’t help the amusement in my voice.

“Yeah...evil, non law abiding vampire associates of douchebag Princes go poof.” She makes a poofing gesture with her hands for emphasis.

“I assume they didn’t take that well?” Again, the amusement coating my voice. This is quite entertaining. I can’t wait to hear more of her stories.

“No. They were downright pissed. One tried to have me killed but that didn’t end up so well for him. The Vampires Council stepped in before the others could react. The Vampires Council took my side since, I was in fact, in my right to end the dirty vamps.”

“You like to play dirty.” I comment with a smirk. “We should get along just fine.”

Elena smirks in response. “That depends.”

I raise a questioning eyebrow. “Depends?”

“If you’re a dirty vamp.” She winks at me. “Or a vamp that likes to play dirty.”

A smile spreads across my face as my Chosen One flirts with me. I wish I could say this little action of hers doesn’t affect me but it does, right in my dead heart. It’s like...chest pain? But a good chest pain because it’s the beginning of my blooming love for Elena...my Chosen One. “Oh, baby...you have no idea how dirty I can get.” I reply seductively with a wink of my own, making her beautiful sun kissed skin turn a delightful shade of red when she blushes. My smile widens at her reaction to me flirting back. I’m not sure I’ve ever taken such great satisfaction in how a woman responds to my flirting but Elena...every little positive reaction from her gives me a pleasure I’ve never experienced before. I decide not to push my luck with my advances since we’ve only just met last night. Damn. Gabriel’s ahead of the game in this since he’s already had over two weeks with her. This thought irritates me, but I push it aside and concentrate on the problem at hand. “So, a book of matches?”

Elena recovers from our moment and transitions smoothly into what can be described as work mode. She then goes into detail about what led her to finding the matchbook in Samantha’s room. This included an adorable little story about when she and Samantha were young kids and how they used the windows in their rooms for secret conversations.

“What do you think?” Elena asks me as she slides the matchbook back in the pocket of her jacket.

I sigh heavily. I think Elena’s right from everything she’s told me. Which means...we need to find Draco. “Honestly, I think you’re onto something.” Running a hand through my hair, I look to the right of us at the entrance of Whitwicky’s Scrapyard. “Samantha wouldn’t have went to all that trouble to hide clues if she knew she wasn’t being watched.” I hate to say it but... “Do you think she was hiding them from Amelia?”

Elena smirks. “I can guarantee Amelia is safe.”

I furrow my brows in confusion. “What makes you say that?”

Elena chuckles, causing the chest pain to happen again. Gods, I can’t wait to hear her beautiful laugh. Who would have thought that the bond between us would make me so...mushy. “Because Amelia White is my aunt.” She replies, making me raise my eyebrows in surprise. Elena smirks. “You apparently have been slacking on your charge homework, Sheriff.” She teases me. “Gabriel knew almost my entire life story by the second night I was here.”

Of course...that damn posh English bastard probably had his entire IT team combing through everything they could find on her after he saw just how drop dead gorgeous she is. I can’t believe I’m actually jealous of Gabriel...well, that will have to change immediately. I’m going to step up my game. “Right. Well, I suppose that’s a good thing since she’s the most powerful witch in California.”

“Yes. You’re lucky I’m here. I have connections.” Elena winks again at me.

Oh, hell. This is going to harder than I thought. I wasn’t expecting her to be so...comfortable with me already. I’m not sure if it’s our bond working or if that’s just Elena’s personality. I’d like to think it’s our bond because the thought of her flirting with Gabriel makes me want to knock his head off his shoulders. I smile in reply. “It appears I am lucky you’re here. Amelia tolerates me... most of the time.”

Elena chuckles again. “Don’t take it personally. She’s like that to everyone who isn’t family or in her coven.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. So...if we pursue this lead of yours, I have to ask that you have either Gabriel or I with you.” Preferably me and not the suave Brit vampire. “Draco is dangerous, Elena. If you go by yourself, you will be targeted. If either the Sheriff or Baron of California is with you, you won’t be singled out because we do this s**t all the time.” That and I want to keep you safely by my side.

Elena purses her lips together and looks thoughtful for a moment before sighing, “Fine.”

She doesn’t like the idea of being coddled but frankly, I don’t care. She’s my Chosen One and I will do everything in my power to keep her safe.